Chapter 13: Anastasia

The morning sun pours through the floor-to-ceiling frosted windows of the master bathroom, casting a soft, golden glow over the porcelain tub. The air is thick with the sweet, calming scent of lavender and chamomile.

"Splish, splash!" Luna giggles, her tiny hands smacking the surface of the warm water, sending a small cascade of bubbles flying onto my cheek.

I laugh softly, leaning over the edge of the tub to wipe the foam from her forehead with a plush white washcloth. For the first time in five years, her laughter doesn't end in a raspy wheeze. Her skin is warm, a healthy, vibrant pink under the gentle...